Toyota Recalls 160,000 Tacoma Pickup Trucks

Toyota announced over the weekend that it plans to recall about 160,000 Tacoma mid-size pickup trucks due to an issue that could result in the spare tire falling off.

The recall affects model years 2001 to 2004, where the spare tire is kept beneath the bed of the truck. Not enough phosphate was applied to the metal plate that keeps the spare tire affixed to the vehicle, causing an overabundance of rust, according to Toyota representatives.

A spokesperson for Toyota confirmed that there have been two accidents as a result of this malfunction, but luckily, neither caused any injuries. Toyota plans to fix the problem by having dealers replace the spare tire assembly.

Letters giving further details about the recall are scheduled to go out to Tacoma owners sometime in December.